New Delhi, June 16 (HS): Four new greenfield cities will be developed in the National Capital Region (NCR), while a modern sub-city named 'Namo City' will be established near Delhi, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal said on Tuesday.

The announcement was made after the 42nd meeting of the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), chaired by the Union Minister.

Addressing reporters, Manohar Lal said the Regional Plan-2041 would be finalised and implemented within the next two months. He clarified that there would be no change in the existing boundaries of the NCR.

Under the proposed plan, one major greenfield urban centre, termed a 'Namo Node', will be developed in each NCR state. The proposed Namo City near Delhi will be equipped with modern urban infrastructure and advanced civic facilities.

The minister said the NCR covers about 55,000 square kilometres and comprises 32 districts. He added that future development policies would focus on balancing urban growth with environmental conservation.

The meeting also discussed the protection of the Aravalli region. Existing forest areas will be preserved, while efforts will be made to increase green cover across the NCR.

On pollution control, participants agreed on a phased transition away from older BS-I, BS-II and BS-III vehicles, while encouraging the use of BS-VI-compliant vehicles. A vehicle replacement programme is proposed under which older vehicles would be scrapped and incentives provided for the purchase of cleaner alternatives.

The meeting also emphasised expansion of Metro and Namo Bharat rail networks to improve regional connectivity and reduce traffic congestion. Plans were discussed to connect four major NCR cities through the Namo Bharat network.

According to estimates presented during the meeting, the NCR's current population of around 75 million could double over the next 15 years, necessitating long-term planning in transport, housing and infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma, Rajasthan Urban Development Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra and senior officials.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar